During this August Emancipation Festival, there is much to celebrate.

Most importantly, of course, today marks 190 years since emancipation. This year also commemorates 70 years of Festival, an annual celebration that has stood the test of time and remained largely true to its traditions in many ways.

And while the coming days will bring a well-deserved period of enjoyment, it is also fitting to take time to reflect on the Virgin Islands’ rich history of triumph amid tribulation.

It was on Aug. 1, 1834, that the barbaric and cruel institution of slavery was legally abolished here and across most of the rest of the British Empire.

But the end to the three-century-old practice of kidnapping, enslaving and transporting more than 10 million Africans across the Atlantic Ocean was merely the start to the process of healing and the march toward equality.

Virgin Islanders suffered for many years afterwards under an “apprenticeship” system that historians have described as very similar to slavery. Then, their right of self-governance was for many decades stifled under colonialism and racist oppression.

Battles for progress were hard-fought by many VI national heroes, often at great personal risk and cost. The effects of that brutal legacy continue to this day.

In the days leading up to the Festival, Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley has rightly raised awareness of this historical context.

He has also noted that the celebration will provide the VI economy a sizable boost. While this is undeniable, it’s also worth noting that future celebrations would flow much more smoothly with better organisation, earlier planning and more transparency surrounding government funding.

Despite perennial issues in these areas, however, it is important to remember that the success of past Festivals was due to the participation and selfless support of countless residents: troupes and band members; calypsonians and pageant queens; vendors; donkey racers; moko jumbies; organisers and volunteers; and so many others whose impact is felt but whose efforts often go unsung.

This year will be no exception. If the enthusiastic excitement that has greeted the events so far this week is any indication, the 70th anniversary celebration should be one for the record books.

Here’s to a safe, joyous and meaningful August Emancipation Festival season for all.